Bending election laws, President Abdulla Yameen continued to campaign during official visits to inaugurate development projects in the two southernmost atolls. But some projects like water and sewage in Addu City were unfinished, according to the mayor.

Speaking on Feydhoo, Yameen expressed surprise over the support on Hithadhoo island for former president Mohamed Nasheed and the Maldivian Democratic Party. The MDP made a clean sweep of Addu City’s seven council seats in the past three municipal elections and its lawmakers represent five out of seven Addu constituencies in parliament.

The president urged groups of supporters from Feydhoo – represented by a ruling party lawmaker – to canvass support in the neighbouring island. “We have to get this boost in Hithadhoo. We have to give this vaccine in Hithadhoo,” he said.

Voters of Hithadhoo should give him the opportunity to build a bridge to Meedhoo, he added.

On his next stop, Yameen repeated the development pitch, pledging to make Fuvahmulah a “livable” and “urban city” with proper roads and waste management.

The re-election manifesto would be unveiled on Monday, he announced. The opposition coalition, on the other hand, lacks “a well-researched and thorough manifesto.”

Interest on construction loans will be reduced to five percent: Ibu (Avas)

Opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ‘Ibu’ drew media attention with an emotional homecoming on his native Hinnavaru island. Ibu’s speedboat was escorted into the harbour by jet skis and a flyboard jetpack. In a festive atmosphere, a procession of boduberu (traditional drums) and stick dance groups led the way as the candidate spent an hour shaking the hands of supporters lined up to greet him.

It was the longest line on any island so far, reporters observed. Many hugged the native son and took selfies. Ibu will take 80 percent of the vote from Hinnavaru, they said.

At a rally on the island Friday night, Ibu said the opposition parties united to pursue the goals of establishing justice, combating corruption and restoring public order. For Hinnavaru, he pledged to build a new football stadium and to upgrade the health centre to a hospital.

There was no fairness in providing public services, hiring and firing, or awarding promotions in the civil service and government companies, he continued, pledging to reinstate or compensate wrongfully terminated employees.

Faisal Naseem and several opposition figures including Adhaalath Party preacher Sheikh Ilyas Hussain meanwhile met supporters residing in Kuala Lumpur. The running mate pledged to resolve visa difficulties and to make the government health insurance scheme available in Malaysia.